Phupa Tsering Topgyal, born in 1943 in Markham, was involved with the Tibetan army during the period of Chinese military expansion into Tibet. In 1961, he was arrested by the Chinese authorities for his alleged participation in Tibetan resistance activities against the invading People’s Liberation Army.

During the course of the conflict, Phupa Tsering Topgyal sustained injuries in a violent confrontation with Chinese forces before being taken into custody. Following his arrest, he was subjected to prolonged interrogation, severe torture, and inhumane treatment while in detention. He was denied the right to meet or communicate with his family throughout his imprisonment. Subsequently, he was sentenced to ten years of imprisonment and was also compelled to perform forced labour under harsh conditions during his detention.

After completing his sentence, he was eventually released from custody. Having endured years of imprisonment, torture, and forced labour, Phupa Tsering Topgyal later escaped into exile and arrived in India in December 1984.